Leflunomide & Methotrexate

[Buntybear]

HI, I am currently on 20mg injections of Methotrexate, but as I am having more flare ups and my RA marker has increased, I have just been prescribed Leflunomide (10mg daily) alongside the Methotrexate. Would be interested to hear if anyone else on this mix and how have you got on with the Leflunomide...thanks

[Skolfield]

Hi I’m interested in how you get on with it I’m on the methotrexate injections and am trying Sulfasalazine with it but struggling maybe the Leflunomide might be better ??!!

[Bumblbee]

Methotrexate self injection 1.5 is best if can cope with the hair loss I stopped it because of the latter 8 MTHS to grow back slowly never again

[chrissie53]

Am on Lefluminide only as I could not take methotrexate, and it is brilliant, did have a few side effects tho for the 1st few months, dioreah being the worst, itching which I still get,,and it has slowed the growth of my hair,,but pain wise have it mostly under control,, have bloods done every 3months

[nomoreheels]

Well, I've tried double therapy MTX with LEF, (MTX 17.5mg at the time & 10mg LEF). Unfortunately my experience wasn't good really but I'm replying just in case you start to notice similar symptoms to enable you to report them to your Rheumy promptly. My Rheumy didn't believe they were cause by the LEF but they are listed as a rare side effect.

It wasn't long after I started LEF that I started having numbness in my hands & a sort of fizzing/buzzing in my legs & feet. The hand numbness turned into Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms, I recognised them as I'd had CTS & release surgery 5 years ago. The feeling (or lack of) in my legs & feet worsened too. My GP arranged for me to have an appointment with

Neurology at a neighbouring hospital who did nerve conduction tests. These confirmed my symptoms & I was referred to RD physio. At my next Rheumy appointment I told her & she checked my records on screen, ummed & ahhed but didn't (or wouldn't) relate it to the LEF. We discussed it & decided that I'd stop it & have repeat tests, including EMF tests. These were done few weeks later & the results were a lot better. She still didn't comfortably relate it to LEF but I've never restarted it. My MTX was increased to 20mg & that plus low dose steroids seem to be helping.

Of course LEF does work well for many & you may never experience these symptoms. but I have since heard of someone else who had just the same but wasn't sent for nerve conduction study & EMF & had to have CTS release surgery. She's since stopped LEF.

[Bradclew]

Hi I'm on Leflunomide 20mg on its own and had very little side effects

Tiredness is a side effect which I have all the time I'm on my 6th week and been told it can take up to 3 months good luck with the mix